Thomas Tuchel admits Kobbie Mainoo's World Cup omission 'hurt' him

Thomas Tuchel said Kobbie Mainoo will get his chance after going unused at the World Cup. The England manager called it his responsibility after injury and selection kept the midfielder out.Tuchel has named Mainoo in England's Nations League squad. (Photo: Reuters)England manager Thomas Tuchel has admitted it “hurt” him that Kobbie Mainoo did not get a single minute at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The Manchester United midfielder has been recalled for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, with Tuchel saying it is now his responsibility to give the 21-year-old an opportunity.Mainoo was part of England’s World Cup squad but remained an unused substitute throughout the tournament. Speaking after naming his latest squad on Friday, Tuchel explained why he preferred Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson in midfield and why Mainoo would have played in the third-place match against France had he not been injured.“He didn't put a foot wrong in the World Cup. He was class in behaviour and in training, but it was a big competition,” Tuchel said.“Elliot Anderson is a fantastic player for us; Declan Rice is a very unique player, so we trusted them more than we trusted Kobbie.” Mainoo was unable to get onto the pitch during England’s World Cup campaign despite impressing the coaching staff in training. Tuchel said an injury before the third-place match against France denied the midfielder his final chance to feature.“It was difficult for him. He got injured before the France game, so we couldn't give him minutes there, which hurt me,” Tuchel said. “Maybe it hurt him more than me, but it's my responsibility to reward him for that.”MAINOO GETS ANOTHER CHANCEMainoo has retained his place in England’s squad after starting the new season strongly for Manchester United. Tuchel was unequivocal when asked whether the midfielder would finally get minutes during the upcoming international window.“Yes, I expect him to be on the pitch, and it's my duty to put him on the pitch,” he said.England have four Nations League matches during the window, giving Tuchel plenty of opportunities to assess his midfield options. The Three Lions begin against reigning world champions Spain at Wembley on September 26.ALEXANDER-ARNOLD, PALMER RETURNTrent Alexander-Arnold and Cole Palmer have also returned to the England squad after missing the World Cup. Tuchel has challenged both players to prove that they deserve to retain their places.“It is now time to fight for his place. He always said he is up to fight for his place, especially for England so it is on him to prove and he is more than welcome in camp,” Tuchel said of Alexander-Arnold.Palmer has started the season strongly for Chelsea, with Tuchel highlighting his improved goals, assists and overall output as reasons for his recall.“The quality of Trent is undisputable, the quality of Cole Palmer we don't need to talk about it, they need to show it,” Tuchel said.England will host Spain at Wembley on September 26 before travelling to face Czechia on September 29 and Croatia on October 3. They will then host Czechia at Wembley on October 6 to complete the four-match Nations League window.ENGLAND NATIONS LEAGUE SQUAD: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jason Steele (Brighton), James Trafford (Leeds United)Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Trevoh Chalobah (Como), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Ezri Konsa (Arsenal), Tino Livramento (Newcastle), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen).Midfielders: Elliot Anderson (Manchester City), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Myles Lewis-Skelly (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Alex Scott (Bournemouth).Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Leeds United), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Barcelona), Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Morgan Rogers (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal).- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 19, 2026 08:43 IST